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Increased understanding of how a member state can influence the EU created two kinds of impacts: changing thinking, understanding and awareness (e.g. HM Treasury); and changing strategy and policy (e.g. EU Committee of Regions). Impacts were generated between 2008 and 2012 on the Polish Government, the Swedish International Development Agency, the US Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, civil servants in Ukraine, Russia and the UK, the European think tank community, the Labour Party and the EU's Committee of the Regions. Impact was generated through consultancies to public bodies and by providing advice to governments, international organisations and the private sector.
`Cold War Modern. Design 1945-1970' (CWM) was a four-year research project exploring the impact of the cold war on modern art, architecture and design. Conceived, researched and curated as a major exhibition by Professors David Crowley and Jane Pavitt, it provided new interpretations of the history of design in the second half of the 20th century for a wide public, international audience. The exhibition was reviewed around the world and was acquired — as a `package' of concept, exhibits and publications — by venues abroad. We are claiming impact in the fields of public and media understanding of post-Second World War cultural history and on the curatorial and collecting activities of museums around the world.
Research into healthcare associated infections (HAI) at Aston University is led by Professor Lambert, Dr Worthington and Professor Hilton. New strategies to prevent and reduce HAI through a cleaner healthcare environment (antimicrobial surfaces and disinfection) and improved pre-surgical skin antisepsis have been founded on Aston's research in this field since 2007. This work has delivered significant impact on commerce, health and welfare and policy by:
Research into properties of scale and surface undertaken by ceramicist Felicity Aylieff has achieved substantial national and international impact in cultural life and education since 1996. The research leads to significant innovations in ceramics, especially in the areas of monumental sculptures and translation of traditional techniques to contemporary use. These are realised in a body of work and dissemination by public speaking, exhibitions and publications. Through innovative international collaborative projects, the established separation between studio ceramics and industry has been bridged globally.
Research carried out at Aston University has unveiled how religious lobbies have contributed to the construction of the European Union from 1950 until today. This research has demonstrated the existence and nature of long-term relations between clergy, politicians and EU officials and has assessed the religious mobilisation in the construction of the European Union. The research has led to the following impacts: improving understanding and raising awareness of the importance of religious organisations to the European Commission; influencing, through the provision of recommendations, the strategies adopted by religious organisations when dealing with the European institutions; and enhancing public understanding on issues concerning `religion' and `faith' in the European Union.
Research in Aston University on developing effective practices in teaching English to young learners (TEYL) has achieved the following key impacts:
Early diagnosis of major brain diseases, especially in children, is a crucial yet largely unmet clinical need. Since 1996 Aston University researchers have pioneered the development and clinical application of Magnetoencephalography (MEG). The team's research now supports the UK's first and largest clinical pre-surgical evaluation programme in partnership with leading neurosurgery centres. This work has had the following impacts (2008 — date) on health services, patient welfare and commerce:
Metformin is now the most prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes worldwide. Pre - 1990 it received trivial use and was on the verge of withdrawal. Research at Aston (1993 - 1996) generated a new appreciation of its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Aston research was reinforced with a concerted education programme for healthcare professionals, including high-profile reviews and treatment guidelines. We claim impact on health & welfare and health practitioners as Aston research has provided a foundation for improved care of type 2 diabetes patients on a global scale.
Vehicle and mobility design research carried out at the Royal College of Art (RCA) since 1993 has resulted in industrial innovation in vehicles and transport, both nationally and internationally, enhancing industry's ability to provide commercial, societal and environmental benefits between 2008 and 2013. The areas in which we are claiming impact include accessible, user-centred transport (Impact 1); future visions of public service vehicles and systems (Impact 2); and innovation in vehicle design for changing technologies (Impact 3). These impacts are produced through design and consultancy. Corroboration of impact takes the form of public records of achievements, and authentication by manufacturers.